Show ContentsMacAtyre History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The root of the ancient Dalriadan-Scottish name MacAtyre is the Gaelic form Mac-an-Tsaoir, which denotes son of the carpenter or wright.

Early Origins of the MacAtyre family

The surname MacAtyre was first found in on the Isle of Iona, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the MacAtyre family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacAtyre research. Another 64 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1372, 1564 and 1890 are included under the topic Early MacAtyre History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacAtyre Spelling Variations

Historical recordings of the name MacAtyre include many spelling variations. They include They are the result of repeated translations of the name from Gaelic to English and inconsistencies in spelling rules. MacAteer, MacTear, MacTeir, MacTire, MacAtee, MacAtter, MacAttur and many more.

Early Notables of the MacAtyre family

More information is included under the topic Early MacAtyre Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the MacAtyre family to Ireland

Some of the MacAtyre family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 80 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States MacAtyre migration to the United States +

Descendents of Dalriadan-Scottish families still populate many communities across North America. They are particularly common in Canada, since many went north as United Empire Loyalists at the time of the American War of Independence. Much later, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the highland games and Clan societies that now dot North America sprang up, allowing many Scots to recover their lost national heritage. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name MacAtyre, or a variant listed above:

MacAtyre Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • John MacAtyre, who settled in New York in 1833


The MacAtyre Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Per ardua
Motto Translation: Through difficulties.


Houseofnames.com on Facebook